Senior Project Manager (PMCM Rail) in Newcastle upon Tyne

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

We are a diverse, inclusive and enthusiastic team of Project, Commercial and Design Managers working in the Rail sector, focussed on the common goal of delivering solutions for our clients. Our passion comes from creating and shaping the built environment through tailored project delivery as we strive to be the best in class.

As a Senior Project Manager at WSP in the PMCM Rail team you will be responsible for leading the delivery of complex rail projects of regional, national, and international significance. You will ensure that the projects are delivered safely to a high-quality, in a timely manner, and compliant with budget.

Our culture encourages and supports a successful work-life balance and we encourage all our people to embrace this approach. You will be based in one of our modern, vibrant offices, situated in great city centre locations across the UK. WSP actively supports flexible working with the expectation for you to be in an office environment a minimum of three days a week to support and integrate with your colleagues and Clients. You will, on occasion, visit sites.

A Little More About Your Role:

• Coordinating relevant disciplines through project meetings and target‑led workshops, enabling critical issues to be resolved in a timely manner, and ensuring the project meets safety, functional and regulatory requirements.
• Establishing robust processes and procedures to manage the project, in conjunction with the Client’s team.
• Acting as a principal point of contact for the client, ensuring their needs and expectations are met through both the design and construction phases.
• Developing and managing Client relationships, through effective listening and influencing skills.
• Be accountable for monthly project reports and data‑based scenarios, to provide senior managers clarity of project position.
• Leading the engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, local authorities, and community groups.
• Facilitating regular project meetings, presentations, and progress reports.
• Addressing stakeholder concerns and managing expectations effectively.
• Managing contract in line with contract rules of engagement (including NEC3/4).
• Managing project budgets, including cost estimation, tracking, and reporting.
• Optimising resource utilisation and ensuring financial performance aligns with project goals.
• Reviewing and approving project expenditures and invoices.
• Managing changes and delays affecting the project and ensuring these are resolved or mitigated accordingly, and ensuring project management processes are consistently improved and implemented (e.g. change control).
• Identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with the design and construction phases and establishing risk mitigation measures to suit.
• Creating, managing and actioning RFIs, early warnings, and general communications to reduce project risk and ensure successful project delivery.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate:

• Being a safety leader, driving safety performance and compliance with Construction Design Management (CDM) regulations. Discharge CDM duties as required by the client.
• Ensuring all activities are conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, adhering to corporate governance and standards.
• Defining project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with client and stakeholders.
• Creating, managing and actioning detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management.
• Overseeing project execution, ensuring adherence to project plans and schedules.
• Accountable for project progress, identifying potential issues, and implementing corrective actions.
• Driving innovative design and construction solutions and implementing processes to enhance project efficiency and productivity. Evaluate and integrate new technologies and methodologies to improve project performance.
• A degree in a relevant engineering or management discipline (such as project or construction management, engineering, science, or building).
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body, or nearing completion of this status would be advantageous.
• APM / MSP / PMI / PRINCE2 / Six Sigma certifications are considered beneficial.
• Experience in project management, including Technical and Project management and Project Controls.
• Experience working on significant projects with demonstrated Client‑side project delivery (design and build).
• Experience working with organisations such as Network Rail, HS2, TfGM, and other rail‑related entities is seen as advantageous.
• Proven ability to manage successful workstreams, and programmes within a multi‑disciplinary delivery team.
• Demonstrates curiosity, is solution‑focused, and responsive to client issues.
• NEC4 Project Manager accreditation.

What’s In It For You?

• Work‑life balance: WSP offers a hybrid working policy with flexible days from home and opportunities to collaborate in modern offices across the UK. Our culture supports a healthy work‑life balance, encouraging employees to engage in personal activities and family commitments.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: WSP welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, encouraging authenticity and fostering an inclusive environment with employee resource groups to promote belonging.
• Health & Wellbeing: Access to the Thrive programme, a virtual GP service, workplace adjustments, the Gymflex scheme, and comprehensive menopause support.
• Flex your time: “WSP My Hour” allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities with flexible makeup time.
• Your development: WSP supports professional growth through training, mentoring, and chartership opportunities, including formal project management qualifications via the APM pathway.

About Us:

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms, with 72,800 passionate people united by a purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on communities through innovation, integrity, and inclusion. Over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland drive local communities and international projects.

EEO Statement: Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.